Green Party of Canada response to Question 5

Question: What plans do you have to combat poverty in Canada?

Answer:
Despite the growing number of two-income households, Canadian families are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. Green Party programs and policies will reduce income inequality, and ensure all Canadians have the opportunity to prosper.

We will phase-in a national Guaranteed Livable Income, to ensure that no person’s income falls below what is necessary for health, life and dignity. Through the Council of Canadian Governments we will work to replace inadequate poverty band-aid solutions (such as welfare, disability programs) with a comprehensive Guaranteed Livable Income.

Providing our most at-risk citizens with the resources they need to make ends meet greatly reduces the burden on our emergency and social services, our health care and criminal justice systems – saving Canadian taxpayers money and empowering all citizens to overcome periods of hardship. As an immediate first step, the Green Party would implement a federal minimum wage of $15 an hour. By providing a cheque to every Canadian over 18, our carbon fee and dividend system will also assist those who need it most.

Question: How would your party’s anti-poverty policies support The City of Calgary’s poverty reduction initiatives?

Answer:
Municipalities are doing great work to reduce poverty and we are encouraged by local work by the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative and the Strong Neighbourhoods Initiative. We will support local efforts to address poverty, while working with all levels of government to eliminate poverty completely.